Derek Hough Gets Emotional Playing with Pluto at Magic Kingdom After the Loss of His Dog
A playful encounter with Pluto at Magic Kingdom carried a deeper meaning for Derek Hough, who shared that seeing the Disney character reminded him of his dog Romie, who recently passed away.
Derek Hough’s Pluto Encounter
Derek Hough is a professional dancer, choreographer, and six-time Dancing with the Stars champion who now serves as a judge on the hit ABC series. He is also a familiar face in Disney’s holiday programming, having hosted and performed in The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular, including its 2025 edition.
While recording this year’s holiday special on location at Magic Kingdom, the Dancing with the Stars judge shared an Instagram Reel showing him playing with Pluto near the park’s Christmas tree in Town Square.
Wearing a sparkling burgundy suit jacket over a white turtleneck, Hough tells the viewer, “Hey, so, if you guys see your dog, you guys just tell him…”
He turns to face Pluto behind him, crouches down, and playfully bounces around while Pluto responds in kind, even spinning around in excitement as any real fun-loving dog does.
Although the video captures a lighthearted exchange, Hough explained the emotional connection in his caption:
I weirdly got emotional when I saw Pluto . Made me think of my boy Romie ❤️
Hough announced Romie’s death in an October 25 Instagram tribute after 14 years together. He adopted Romie from a Los Angeles rescue in 2012 after volunteering to walk dogs. What began as an overnight stay became a permanent home.
In his tribute to Romie, Hough reflected on the companionship his dog provided through difficult times and major milestones, including his marriage and becoming a father. Read the full tribute below (and brace your heart):
Romie came into my life when I was just trying to figure life out, it was just me and him.
And for a long time, he was my constant. He saw me at my worst and at my best. He loved me through it all and somehow gave me purpose when I couldn’t find it myself.
He watched me grow up, fall in love, become a husband. And when he started to get tired, I asked him to hold on so he could meet his little sister, and he kept his promise. He held on.Waking up without him feels unreal. I keep looking at that spot where he’d usually come around the bushes, waiting, hoping. It’s strange to know he won’t come around that bend again.
But thank you, my boy, for choosing us, for carrying me, for giving me so much.
There’s an ache that feels unbearable. But it’s also proof that love lived here fully. And you always will.Goodbye for now my sweet sweet Romie Boy 💔🐕
You can watch Hough’s special interaction with Pluto in the full Instagram Reel below:
Have you ever shared an emotional moment with a Disney character at the parks? Tell us your story on social media.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post Derek Hough Gets Emotional Playing with Pluto at Magic Kingdom After the Loss of His Dog appeared first on WDW News Today.